Editing Juniata Terrace, Pennsylvania (section)

===Residents===
As landlords, American Viscose Co. required at least one person on the lease of each home to work at the Lewistown plant. In some cases, one or more did, with a wife, and even adult children. Rent was initially $1.00 a week, deducted from weekly earnings. With the residents’ annual earnings of $1,100 to $1,300 a year, this was a considerable relief to families. By May, 1944, the weekly rent increased to $4.60, still a significant benefit. It is not surprising that there was a long wait-list of employees wanting to live at Juniata Terrace.

The 1930 census shows that there were 1,710 residents, with 610 working for American Viscose. Some homes had upwards of 13 occupants. A number of homes took in borders- usually family members or close friends who were on a wait list to get their own home at Juniata Terrace. Cots for sleeping in the basement must have been a cozy life.

There was a maintenance person on site, employed by American Viscose. If something needed repaired, it was his responsibility. Paint and wall papering was refreshed when needed. All outside areas were maintained by American Viscose.

Some have called Juniata Terrace a company town, which is incorrect. Other than required employment at American Viscose, there were no other requirements of the residents. There was no company script, no company store where purchases were required or any of the horrific conditions for which company towns received such dire reputations. American Viscose got it right when they called it an industrial village.